History
In 1983, Rob Harris launched PMI with a modest investment of $1,200 and a curiosity about international trade. With degrees in psychology, business, and education under his belt, the entrepreneurial path seemed like an obvious fit.
For the first few years, PMI imported a number of different products and designed and styled products for the sports and recreation markets. Eventually, Rob expanded the business into food and beverage containers.
In 1994, PMI joined forces with Eddie Bauer to create one of the first lines of stainless steel insulated mugs. Prior to this, travel mugs were mere utilitarian objects. But PMI recognized that modern lifestyles would soon demand products that were not only functional, but stylish as well.
At the same time, Starbucks Coffee Company was responding to the increased pace of their customer’s lives, so they partnered with us to create beverage containers for patrons on the go.
Due to our thriving partnerships (and our own private label, MiGo, which launched in 1999), we contracted with factories in Asia to support our growing production. We’ve done business in Thailand, Korea and China, and in 2001, we opened offices in Shanghai,China to provide sales, engineering and manufacturing support. Today, we also have offices in London and the Philippines.
In 2002, PMI purchased the Stanley and Aladdin brands, both close to 100 years old. In the past few years, we’ve expanded both lines and breathed new life into these American icons.
Today, PMI holds more than 130 patents and brings close to 100 new products to market every year. In 2008, we celebrated our 25th anniversary, and though we’re proud of our accomplishments in the market, we’re even more proud of our company culture. After 25 years in the business, PMI is still deeply rooted in human values and committed to ethical behavior, education, sustainability and good business practices.